Weekly blogs about handmade artist, vintage items, how-to's, decorating tips and more. I feature Etsy artist often and always celebrate handmade! I have a love for vintage and everything about it. I feel as tho things from the past have a story to share and hold something special. I love indie artist as I am one myself. I have always had a niche for decorating I enjoy giving advice on it.

Friday, August 29, 2008

As you all probably know by now, I have an obsession with anything vintage. I love it and I can't help it, nor do I want to. It started when I was about 10. My aunt and uncle took me with them to an antique auction and I was amazed. There were all these old things from small bottles to huge gorgeous furniture. It was there that a love was born. A love for the old, for things with history, style, beauty, and most of all a story. Everything old has a story. Here are my recent vintage finds.

Along with the rest of my finds below I found these at my local Salvation Army. They are by Corelle and I fell in love with them. I love the simple design and the touch of color around the rims. I only paid $.25 a piece for these. It was a buy I could not pass up. I had originally purchased them to create pedestal plates that I sell in my Etsy shop, She's Chic Boutique, but I've decided to keep them for my personal collection.These cups were another great find. They are vintage coffee cups also by Corelle. They are very heavy which is an added bonus. The gray floral detail gives them a very classy look. I also paid only $.25 a piece for these. They are a great addition to my collection of vintage housewares that I plan to display in a large hutch in the dining room of our new home.These bowls are my favorite recent find. They are milkglass cereal or soup bowls. The one with the handle is by Glasbake and the other has no markings. They make great additions to my collection and I will treasure them forever. I paid $.5o a piece for these and that was a $1.00 well spent!

The Salvation Army is a great place to find deals and also give back to others. They provide help to people in over 110 countries. Visit a store in your area to find some neat things or better yet, to make a donation of items you no longer need or a donation of money. I also recycle with them. They are often in need of plstic or paper bags to place the items in when someone purchases them. Save some grocery bags and drop them off. Also, if you donate something with monetary value they will give you a tax write-off to use when you file your taxes. There are so many benefits to both you and others when you shop at The Salvation Army, so find one near you and check it out!

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

There are so many fabulous things in the world of home decor. Tony and I are only a few short weeks from closing on our new home. I am so excited! I mean I am overly ecstatic! The house has 3 bedrooms, 1 bath (I know that sucks), a large living room, a nice size kitchen, a large dining room, and a screened in back porch, as well as a front porch. It's a 1958 brick ranch home. I want to incorporate a lot of vintage feel in the house. I know for sure I'm doing the bathroom in a vintage/cottage feel complete with a shabby chic chandelier and my office/studio room is also going to be done in the same style. Both will be done in light blue and white. So, here are some things I am lusting over right now!

I am in love with this coverlet from JCPenny ! Not only am I in love with it, it is my most likely choice. I love the floral and scroll design and the scalloped edges add a beautiful touch to an all ready gorgeous coverlet.I love this set of matching glass drawer knobs and pulls from The Home Depot. I plan to use these in the bathroom and possibly in the bedroom as well. They are too lovely to pass up

.

I love these white, vintage, hobnail table lamps from thecherrychic on Etsy. They would be PERFECT in my office/studio room on the vintge windows I am converting into bedside tables.

I also love this vintage milkglass compote bowl. It is VERY high on my wish list. I found this lovely bowl in the shop ACollectibleCachet on Etsy.

This is only a smidget of my wish list, but it gives you a great idea of the look I'm going for. As soon as the keys to our new house are in our hands I will be taking pictures so I can do before and after pics of all the rooms. Look for it soon!

Monday, August 25, 2008

No matter what your style is, jewelrybyallison has something for you. While in Etsy chat I was asking for ideas on what to feature this week, when lo and behold, jewelrybeallison suggest I feature her. When I went into her shop I was in disbelief. She has some of the most amazing jewelry designs ever. These designs are not your simple, typical, everyday designs. They are much, much more than that. The first thing to catch my eye was the Robin's Egg Charm Necklace, it is from her Lost and Found Collection. Then there is the Turquoise Butterfly Braclet and the Beginning of Fall Charm Necklace, both from the Natural Elegance Collection. This collection is filled with gorgeous jewelry. Last, but certainly not least, her Wildflower Collection. Who doesn't love flowers? I certainly do, these flowers are in full bloom all year long. Below I asked jewelrybyallison a few questions so I could better get to know her.

1. Tell us a little about yourself and how you began making jewelry.When I was younger I loved any crafty thing I could get my hands on. My grandmother gave me a few broken necklaces and I re-strung them to make new jewelry. I still love to use pieces of old jewelry in my work today.

2. Who is your target audience?I have a few lines of jewelry to appeal to different audiences. There is the Lost and Found Collection for those who appreciate the beauty of vintage and the mixture of old with new, the Natural Elegance Collection for those who appreciate the beauty of gemstones, and the Wildflower collection for those who like nature inspired jewelry, colorful and a bit whimsical.

3.What inspires you?I have recently gotten married, so I would have to say that there is a bit of romance in my latest work.

4. What advice would you give someone who wants to begin designing jewelry?It is so important to find your own style. Think about what inspires you and what would make each piece truly your own. Don't just make beautiful jewelry, make beautiful jewelry that you would actually wear.

Now, go over to her shop and see what all she has to offer. I can assure you, you will not be disappointed!

Friday, August 22, 2008

I love this idea and I think you will too! Most of us use envelopes often and why not mail a letter in style? No worries, now you can. To make envelopes like the ones I have made above you will need the following items:

First, you will need to take a part the envelope. Envelopes will come a part fairly easy, just try not tear it. Unfold it completely. Next, take the paper you will be using to make your envelope and lay it on a flat surface. Take the unfolded envelope and position it on the paper until it fits completely (you may have to turn it to make it cover the paper). Now take your pen/pencil and trace around the edges of the unfolded envelope until you have drawn the entire shape on the paper. Now, fold your paper just as the envelope was folded. Fold the edges, then the bottom, then your top flap. All you have to do now is take the glue stick and run it along the edges of the bottom flap and lay it over the 2 side flaps so that the bottom flap is over the side flaps. Let it dry and VOILA! You now have your very own envelope! To seal it you can either glue it or put an envelope sealer on it. If you have any questions please feel free to comment and ask them.

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Ahh, who doesn't love a cheap find? I know I certainly do. I wanted to share with everyone some of my recent thrift store and free finds. I know your wondering about the free finds. Well, under each picture I will explain all about where and how I found these awesome treasures. ENJOY!

First is this old window pane. This was one of my free finds! While at the house of a friend of Tony's I noticed this laying against the side of the house. I asked what they planned to do with it and they said they had no use for it and that I could have it if I wanted it. So, I got it. I haven't decided what I will do with it yet, but I've thought about either getting some stained glass window panes or displaying pictures behind the panes. What ever I decide to do I will be sure to share!

I purchased this awesome bowl at my local thrift store for only $2.00! I loved the detail of the lines and the green color that has somewhat of an old look to it. I have no idea who made this bowl. On the bottom it simply has "patty" written in it. I'm almost certain it was hand made and it's too bad I don't know who to give credit to. Right now I have it sitting on the counter in my kitchen with come fruit in it. Thanks Patty, who ever and where ever you are!This vintage tea pot and sugar cup were the second of my free finds. The same friend who had the window also had these. They were sitting outside on a table and were full of water from a few days of continous rain showers. I tried cleaning them with a silver cloth, but it didn't do much good. I will try some other things, but it they don't come clean it's ok. I love them just the way they are and I find lots of beauty in their detail. They were made by F.B. Rogers Silver Company.This is a gorgeous canvas painting that I was very luck to have found. It is still in it's original packaging and I think it came from Target, but I couldn't find anything on their site about it. Now, guess how much I paid for it. It's big by the way, about 3 feet tall. I paid only $4 for this! I purchased it a closeout type store. It has no defects other than some of the paper on the back of it is torn, that's it! The artist is unknown, but whomever he/she is they are very talented. I plan to use this in our new house in the living room. I'm going to do the living room in warm, neuteral colors with the brick-red color as an accent.

I hope you enjoyed my finds, I am surely enjoying them! If you have some great finds please don't hesitate to let me know. Everyone loves a good deal. ~Cassie

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

I would love to introduce everyone to my newest pedestal plate. This is a gorgeous black stoneware plate (not made by me) that has been given a sophisticated upgrade. This plate has been attached to a crystal pedestal. I painted the bottom of the pedestal black to better coordinate with the plate. This would be a lovely addition to your home or as a gift for a friend. This beautiful pedestal plate can be used as a cake plate, pie plate, to display fruit, cupcakes, or anything else you may have in mind. What to do when it's not in use? Simply sit it on your bar and let it do the rest. It is a perfect conversation starter. You don't want hide this in your cabinets when it's not in use, it's to gorgeous for that. Come by my shop on Etsy, She's Chic Boutique and check out all the other pedestal plates and other home decor I have to offer.

Saturday, August 16, 2008

Today, I received feedback and pictures from a very talented lady who makes beautiful scarves, hats, and more. She owns the Etsy shop Deuce Goods and her user name on Etsy is panAsh. About a month ago she purchased some beautiful blue/green yarn from me that I had found at a thrift store. I don't know much about yarn, as I do not knit, but, I loved the colors of this yarn and so I bought it with my fellow Etsians in mind. panAsh created a beautiful scarf from this great find! Winter is just around the corner so go by and visit her shop today and find something to keep you warm!

Friday, August 15, 2008

I am so excited to introduce the world to my new design! Pedestal plates! They are to die for and everyone should have one in their home. My pedestal plates are made from crystal candlesticks and reclaimed vintage saucers, unique plates, and all together great finds. Visit My Etsy shop, She's Chic Boutique today and find something that you love!

Sunday, August 10, 2008

Please take a moment to visit my second treasury. It is the Southeastern U.S. Etsy Street Team Treasury. It features some great work from some of the artist on our team. I am so happy to be a part of this awesome team!

Thursday, August 7, 2008

I have composed a list and pictures of some of my favorite items available exclusively on Etsy.First is this amazingly gorgeous pair of earings from TheTopCat. They are captivating and have such a romantic feel to them. Wouldn't they be the perfect addition to your little black dress?

This outfit, The GiGi Bow Set In Midwest Modern, is absolutely adorable. It looks like something that you would pay hundreds of dollars for at an upscale Hollywood boutique. But it's much more. It's handmade with more love than any hundred dollar outfit you will ever find. This outfit and simmilar ones can be found in the etsy shop georgiagracedesigns.This gorgeous dress caught my eye. Was it the plunging v neck or the beautiful cornflower blue? I'm not sure, but I love it. This dress and more can be found in the AvaAmin shop on Etsy.

Ahhh, wall decals. Decals of any sorts are abundant on Etsy. Here I picked 3 of my favorites. The first, The Crystal Chandelier Wall Decal is by singlestonestudios and I love how it is featured on the yellow wall behind a cool couch. The second, Sophia- birds on a branch decal, by Elephannie is so airy and fresh feeling and would be perfect in any room. Last, but most certainly not least, the End Table decal by BadassCustomDecals is amazing! It is perfect for smaller rooms that need "something", but there's no room. Well your in luck, as long as you have walls that is!

I hope you enjoyed some of my favorite etsy picks. Of course, I have more. But really there's no room for them all. I mean there is, but I don't think I will take up that much space! If you've never been to Etsy don't walk, but put on your virtual world shoes and RUN to one of these great shops today. Etsy is dif. from other online shopping places, the things here are handmade from the heart, or vintage and sometimes there's only one of an item, so if you like it, love it, want it, you better grab it!

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

There's a brand new Etsy team in town. We are the Southeastern U.S. Etsy Street Team. We are composed of members from Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Arkansas, Florida, Tennessee, and Louisiana. We're a new group and have just began our venture into the world of Etsy teams. So far we consist of about 12 members. You can visit our group at the following places:

Please come by and visit us and we are always looking for new members, so if you are from one of the states listed please join. Teams are not only a great way to promote, but also to meet others you have things in common with. Our team has some wonderful members!

I have seen so many people ask "How do I promote my shop?" Well, it is very simple. I have learned that different places draw different crowds. You may offer something that would appeal to both a young and older audience, but how are you going to get the older audience if your only promoting on myspace? Here are some great ways to promote your shop/shops.

Myspace- Myspace is ok, I have had some people tell me they found me on myspace. But, myspace is going to reach a younger audience. Myspace has groups, search groups and find those that would have members interested in what you offer. And be sure to put your Etsy mini on your myspace page.

Flickr- Flickr is great for promoting. It is filled with tons of groups. But, be safe. Flickr does not allow you to put links to your etsy shop anywhere other than your personal profile.

Yahoo Groups- There are tons of yahoo groups. Like any other groups, search and join groups that your items would apeal to, but don't jump right in and begin promoting. Let people know who you are, otherwise you may be considered spam. Once again, play it safe.

IndiePublic- I love IndiePublic. It is a great place to meet other artist and also promote your work. Search the groups and join those you fit in. Another tip is, if you search "buyer" under members you will find people who are just shoppers as well as those who may want to purchase wholesale. Don't nag them, simply add them as a friend and welcome them to Indie!

Free Directories- There are a lot of yellow page type sites on the internet that you can advertise in for free. Just search the net for "free advertising" and you will be shocked with what you find.

Etsy- Duh. A lot of people don't take advatage of what all Etsy has to offer. My first sale came from chat in Etsy. Get active in the forums. There are a lot of people on Etsy! Your just a needle in a haystack, but if you get avtive more people are likely to find you. Don't be shy, if your having a sale, post it in the promotion forum and bump it back up often so people see it.

Teams- Teams are great! Find a team you fit in and join. Most teams have a website and that means more spotlight for you. Not only are teams a great way to promote, but you will be conecting with people who have something in common with you. Shout out to my wonderful team- Southeastern US Etsy!!!

Vista Print- Vist Print always has something for free! Yes free. Who doesn't love free? I know I do. You can usually get free buisness cards almost anytime on there site. All you do is pay the shipping!

Saturday, August 2, 2008

Circles, Dots, and Stripes

What a great combination. This is my favorite set of glasses. These glasses feature a trio of polka dots, circles, and stripes. These are available exclusively at She's Chic Boutique on Etsy. They come with a cheesecake martini recipe on a pink card that is inserted on a clear cocktail pick. Are you a chic chick?

Hi and welcome. I'm Cassie and here you will not only learn more about my products, but also get to know the person behind the product. I have 2 Etsy shops. My 1st shop is She's Chic Boutique where I sell my hand painted glassware and other home decor. My second shop is Patterns4All where I sell vintage patterns.

All About Cassie

First and foremost I am a wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, niece, and friend. I love God and my family. In June of 09 I said I do to the man I love, Tony. Tony and I are parents to a baby boy who is waiting for us in Heaven. His name is Noah and he was born in Sept. of 2007 and passed away at 2 weeks old. Since then my life has been a roller coaster, well it was before then, but even more since. I can def. say my roller coaster has been filled with way more uphill rides than downhills and the twist and turns bring all sorts of things. I'm outspoken, hard headed, independent, a leader, a lover of all people, sometimes moody when I need my space, my mama is my best friend and my daddy is my biggest fan. I love my family and I'll do anything for them. I'm a bit of a rebel and roll to the beat of my own drum, even if it's offbeat at times. I often stumble, but I never fall.